In his opening speech, the president of the association, Ousman A. Demba, said the convergence was intended to spread the word of Allah and clear doubts and misconceptions about Islam to the public.
He explained that Islam is a religion of peace and its practice is a lifelong commandment from Allah to man.He described it as a complete package of a way of life as prescribed by the creator in the Holy Qur’an and Hadith (teachings) of the last and final prophet of Allah, Muhammad (SAW).
In his presentation on the Role of Youth in Islam, Imam Abdoulie Fatty said it is important for the youth to ponder on the purpose of human creation and existence on earth.
He quoted Allah as saying, “And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship me” in the Qur’an and Hadith (51:56), noting that the life given to the creation is the mechanism to be used in order to earn the favour and mercy of Allah.
Considering the youth as the power of nations, Imam Fatty said their role should be but not limited to inviting and encouraging one another to the worshiping of their Lord and discourage one another from all forms of wrongdoings.
He encouraged them to seek knowledge, worship Allah and be patient.
On the effects of music, Sheikh Hamma Jaiteh described it as a method of preaching meant to enslave the mind of the true believer of Allah.
He explained that Islam is a practical religion which commands its followers to seek, share and adopt the truth according to the word of Allah and the teaching of prophet Muhammad (SAW).
According to him, music is a culture inviting to other than the commandments in Islam.
Sheikh Jaiteh pointed out that Muslims are those on the path of Islam and whoever abandons that path, would have a wrong methodology which will result to a change in thinking. “A change in thinking,” he said would results in terrorism, which eventually will result in loss of good morals and enrolment into slavery.
Earlier on the day, Muhammed Jobe from the African Muslim Agency made a presentation on how seeking knowledge is indispensable in the religion of Allah.
He noted that for one to know the concept of God in Islam, one must consult the prescribed sources (Qur’an and Hadith). He enjoined all Muslims to intensify their efforts to acquire knowledge of the religion tirelessly.
The occasion, marked by an interactive question-and-answer session, was graced by lecturers and students of the Gambia College, students from The University of The Gambia and sister tertiary institutions and secondary schools, guests from the Federation of Gambia Muslim Students Organisation (FGAMSO), Association of Gambia Muslim Youth (AGAMY), and Brikama based Youth Dawah Association.
Members of the Students Islamic Solidarity Association of the Gambia College entertained their audience with drama and songs.
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